Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that is also a healthy meal option? Look no further than this 1 Oz Macaroni or Pasta Salad with Tuna that is just 54 calories per serving! This dish is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable lunch idea that can also be used for meal prep.

Not only is this recipe low in calories, but it also offers a variety of vegetables and a protein-packed entree with the addition of tuna. This dish is great for summer picnics or as a satisfying comfort food for your family.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to make this macaroni or pasta salad with tuna even more delicious and nutritious.

Quick and Easy Recipe

To make this recipe, simply cook 1 oz of macaroni or pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, chop a variety of vegetables such as celery, onions, and peppers. Drain the pasta and mix it with the chopped vegetables, a can of tuna, and your favorite salad dressing. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Healthy Meal Option

The addition of vegetables in this dish also provides a variety of nutrients that are important for maintaining a healthy diet. Plus, the tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for heart health. To make the recipe even healthier, use a low-fat salad dressing or make your own using olive oil and vinegar.

Affordable Lunch Idea

To save even more money, try buying canned tuna and vegetables in bulk. This will help you save money in the long run and ensure that you always have ingredients on hand to make this dish. You can also switch up the vegetables in this dish based on what's in season or what you have on hand. This will help keep the dish interesting and prevent it from becoming boring or repetitive.

Perfect for Meal Prep

To make meal prep even easier, try dividing the macaroni or pasta salad with tuna into individual containers for each day of the week. This will help you stay on track with your healthy eating habits while also saving time during the week. To make the dish more filling, try adding some cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs to the salad. This will help increase the protein content of the dish and make it more satisfying.

Great for Summer Picnics

To make the dish even more summer-friendly, try adding some fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to the salad. This will help give the dish a fresh and summery flavor. You can also serve the dish with some crusty bread or crackers for added crunch and satisfaction.

Family-Friendly Dish

For picky eaters, try chopping the vegetables into smaller pieces and mixing them in with the pasta and tuna. This will help disguise the taste of the vegetables and make them more appealing to children. You can also let each family member choose their own salad dressing to personalize the dish even further.

Low-Calorie Meal

One serving of this dish contains just 54 calories, making it a great option for a light lunch or dinner. To make the dish even lower in calories, try using a low-fat salad dressing or making your own using olive oil and vinegar.

Variety of Vegetables

The addition of vegetables such as celery, onions, and peppers provides a variety of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, the vegetables add crunch and texture to the dish. To make the dish even more colorful and nutritious, try adding other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or carrots.

Protein-Packed Entree

Tuna is a great source of protein, with one can containing around 25 grams of protein. The addition of pasta and vegetables also provides additional protein and nutrients. To make the dish even higher in protein, try adding some cooked chicken or hard-boiled eggs to the salad.

Satisfying Comfort Food

The combination of pasta, vegetables, and tuna make for a dish that is not only delicious but also satisfying. Plus, the low calories and high protein content make it a guilt-free comfort food! To make the dish even more comforting, try adding some shredded cheese or bacon bits to the salad.